Genesis 37:23
The sermon highlights the story of Joseph and how it relates to our own experiences of feeling trapped and hopeless, and how Jesus provides a way out of those situations.
Chuck Smith discusses Joseph's experience of being thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers, drawing parallels to the feelings of hopelessness many face today. He emphasizes that, like Joseph, people often find themselves in pits of despair due to their own actions or circumstances, feeling abandoned and without hope. However, Smith reassures that there is a way out of these pits, highlighting Joseph as a type of Christ who was rejected yet ultimately exalted. He draws attention to Jesus' willingness to enter into our suffering to lift us out of despair, echoing the sentiments of David who spoke of being rescued from the pit.
Text
"THE PITS"
I. JOSEPH'S EXPERIENCE.
A. Sent by his father to check welfare of his brothers.
1. His brothers were jealous and bitter.
a. Jealous because of long-sleeved coat and dream.
b. Bitter because he had reported their misdeeds to their father.
B. His brothers seeing him coming decided to kill him.
1. His oldest brother who wanted no part in the killing suggested an
alternative.
2. Nearby was a pit, why not throw him in it?
C. When Joseph arrived, they threw him in the pit intending to leave him there
to starve to death.
1. They sat down above the pit to eat lunch.
2. They paid no attention to his pleas or tears.
D. By now Joseph was aware they were serious.
1. He must have looked around and said, "Man, I'm in the pits. There's no
way out."
Il. MANY TODAY FIND THEMSELVES IN THE PITS.
A. Most of the time it is our own doing.
B. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair.
1. We've tried everything but there seems to be no way.
2. Life seems to be a slow agonizing wait for death.
3. No one seems to really care.
C. You look around and say, "Man, is this the pits and I am to die here."
D. There is a way out of the pit.
Ill. JOSEPH OFTEN SEEN AS A TYPE OF CHRIST (CHOSEN BY FATHER AS HEIR).
A. Rejected by his brothers.
B. Sold for 20 & 30 pieces of silver.
C. Honored and exalted by God among the gentiles.
D. Being later the acknowledged leader by his brothers.
E. His gracious and forgiving spirit toward them.
IV. ALL TYPES OR ANALOGIES BREAK DOWN.
A. Beforehand Joseph not totally aware of brothers murderous desires.
1. At the beginning Jesus told of His death.
B. Joseph was cast into pit against his will.
1. Jesus willingly left His exalted position in glory to come to this pit.
a. "Though He was rich yet for our sakes He was made poor.."
b. "And God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin..."
C. In Jesus we see a willing entering into the pits in order to lift out all who
desire.
1. David said, "He brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the quicksand,
and put my foot on the rock."
Sermon Outline
- I. Joseph's Experience
- A. Sent by his father to check on his brothers
- B. His brothers' jealousy and bitterness
- C. Thrown into a pit by his brothers
- D. Awareness of his situation and hopelessness
- II. Many Today Find Themselves in the Pits
- A. Often due to their own actions
- B. Sense of hopelessness and despair
- C. Feeling of being trapped with no way out
- D. A way out of the pit
- III. Joseph as a Type of Christ
- A. Rejected by his brothers
- B. Sold for 20 & 30 pieces of silver
- C. Honored and exalted by God
- D. Forgiving spirit toward his brothers
- IV. All Types or Analogies Break Down
- A. Joseph's unawareness of his brothers' intentions
- B. Jesus' willing descent into the pit
- C. Jesus' sacrifice to lift out those who desire
Key Quotes
“Man, I'm in the pits. There's no way out.” — Chuck Smith
“Though He was rich yet for our sakes He was made poor..” — Chuck Smith
“And God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We can find hope and redemption through Jesus, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
- Jesus provides a way out of our struggles and difficulties, and we can trust in His power to lift us out of the pit.
- Our experiences of feeling trapped and hopeless can be opportunities for growth and transformation, as we learn to trust in Jesus and His provision.